The Annunciation, left panel: c.1500

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The Annunciation, left panel. Oil on board. Panel painting, left wing of a triptych or altarpiece depicting the Annunciation. Painted on oak panel, with original frame, the panel has two recesses for hinges on the right edge. The painting depicts the Archangel Gabriel, kneeling towards the right on an octagonal stone plinth in grisaille. Behind the figure is a hanging cloth of gold. The panel is of stamped and gilded gesso, with a green border on either side. The angel has curled fair hair and wears a white robe and over it a red cloak with a gold-embroidered edging, fastened by a square gold clasp. In his left hand, hidden by his cloak, he holds a gold sceptre. The underside of his right wing is painted in rainbow colours. Above and in front of his face is a ribbon scroll bearing a legend in black letter: 'Aue.gracia.plena.dominus.tecum'. On the front of the plinth is a shield with heraldry.